East Sooke Regional Park — Attraction in Juan de Fuca Electoral Area

I can't say enough about East Sooke Regional Park. We ventured off on the Coast Trail and WOW...the views were amazing and trail was so much fun.

Please note that this trail is definitely not for the first time hiker at times. Make sure to read the trail description so you know what you're getting yourself into and download the "All Trails" App so that you can track your progress so that you know where you are during your hike.

Being that the Coast Trail is right along the ocean please make sure that you are prepared for all types of weather, wildlife and situations. You will want to bring a hiking pack with snacks and hydration, as well i would recommend carrying Bear Spray just in case and also bring a jacket, hat, change of socks and a small first-aid kit (with Afterbite, as we had a couple hornet stings along the way). I also brought my hiking poles along which helped tremendously as we were climbing up and down all the rocky trail areas.

Our hike ended up being about 13-14km and 6.5hrs (granted we stopped a lot to explore and take pictures and also had a wonderful 40min lunch overlooking the ocean). I would actually plan to start earlier in the future and take our time to stop and enjoy the many gravel beach areas we came across along the way.

If you're looking for a memorable day hike that will challenge you and provide you with a great experience...the East Sooke Regional Park COAST TRAIL is definitely the hike for you. Have fun and be safe everyone!

*The two things I would maybe recommend to the organization that manages or maintains the trails is adding distance markers to your trail signs as we found it difficult to know how far along we were until we came to a couple maps along the trail. Also maybe a sign that says "Parking Lot this way" at the end of the trail as we had someone meeting us to pick us up and got turned around when searching for the...

East Sooke Regional Park is a breathtaking escape for outdoor enthusiasts, offering some of the most stunning views and well-maintained trails on Vancouver Island. Parking is available at multiple access points, including Aylard Farm, Pike Road, and Anderson Cove, though it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. It’s best to arrive early to secure a spot. The park is open from dawn to dusk, providing ample time for hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring.

What to wear: Dress in layers and wear sturdy hiking boots, as the terrain can be rocky, steep, and slippery in some places, especially on the coastal trails. The weather near the water can change quickly, so be prepared for cool breezes or rain.

Bring water, a map, and snacks for safety, as there are no amenities once you're on the trails. The park has various trail options, with the Coast Trail being one of the best for experienced hikers. This trail offers dramatic views of the coastline, rocky beaches, and even a chance to see marine wildlife, like seals and sea lions. The interior forest trails, like Bennett Bay Trail, are great for shorter, more accessible hikes, and you may spot bald eagles, herons, or even black-tailed deer along the way.

Restrooms are available at the Aylard Farm entrance, but none are on the trails, so be sure to use the facilities before heading out. Activities allowed include hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, and swimming at some secluded beaches. However, no designated campsites or overnight options exist, so you can go ahead and plan for a day trip.

Overall, East Sooke Regional Park is a must-visit for anyone seeking a mix of challenging hikes, incredible views, and abundant wildlife. It's the perfect spot to connect with nature, whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a...

This is one Beautiful Park ❣️🏞️😉 It's a Nice adventure ☺️ coming threw here💯 hikes for all skill levels I started from Pike parking lot which was almost full when I began mid afternoon. I was here before but never ventured off to far, I arrived earlier this time and made it a really awesome hike 🔥 from the lot then a Short distance to the Anderson Cove trail to the Mt Maguire lookout. That took a good stroll through beautiful dense Rain Forrest until you hit the Mt Maguire lookout trail. A good little hike to the top, where you get a couple of viewing points and a nice bench to sit at and take the views in 😎 so peaceful and relaxing at this point ❤️ Decided to hike down and take the copper mine trail to the viewing Vista's points.😁 Once on this trail you will pass bye the copper mine or one of them along the trail 😮 So many options for trail's in this Park 🏞️ finally made it to the Vista viewing points after all that ❤️💯 Then you arrive at the Ocean side viewing points 🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯 A incredible hike alongside this beautiful Ocean 🌊 definitely recommend if you love the Nature This Park you can come back to many times 💯 so much to enjoy and get great photos and tobe...